Engineering Baby

Our DNA is becoming as readable, writable, and hackable as our information technology. But as humanity starts reassembling the genetic code, the choices we make today will be part of this alarming genetic struggle. Scientists are developing ways to edit the DNA of tomorrow's children. Should they stop before it’s too late?

In the book Engineering Baby, Ramin Mellegard infiltrates the laboratories where scientists are turning science fiction into reality. Look toward a future where our deepest morals, beliefs, religions, and politics are tested and the essence of what it means to be human is at play. When we can engineer our future children, extend our lifespans, and recreate plants and animals...should we?

The design of this book is inspired by the aesthetics of science fiction and cyberpunk culture. As Mellegard discusses the future of our society involving genetics, I wanted to create an experience for the reader not only with the text, but also with the book’s design. I believe that books are bridges to the unknown potential of human life, and by respecting the physical dimensions of the book, I decided to focus the design on colors as well as typography. The colors and typefaces were intended to influence the reader’s psyche and allow them to have a more enhanced experience of the text. I believe there are unlimited opportunities in the publishing landscape to keep pushing the boundaries of book design in terms of the reader’s experience.